Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
EDPA Partner.

Winners of the 2018 Governor's Trade Excellence Awards represent a diverse swath of the state's business landscape, including high-tech manufacturers, innovative software developers and a craft beer brewer. They were honored at a ceremony today at the State Capitol.

"Today we celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of Alabama business leaders who know that commerce doesn't end at our state's borders," Governor Ivey said. "Their vision to be international leaders in their respective fields is most impressive, and we look forward to their continued efforts in overseas markets."

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - You often hear about AIDT when a company announces it is coming to Alabama. AIDT is Alabama's workforce training program, and is the state's clearinghouse to help recruit, screen, select, assess and prepare workers for the jobs to be filled.

AIDT is a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, and you can think of it this way: AIDT provides on-the-spot training even before you have a place to provide on-the-job training.

In the near future, AIDT will handle hiring and training for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. which will bring 4,000 jobs to Huntsville by 2021.

What was heralded as great news for the local economy a year ago has gotten even better.

Last April, the Andalusia City Council and the Covington County Commission agreed to abate taxes associated with Shaw Industries $184 million upgrade to equipment at its local facility.

On Tuesday, Shaw officials Ron Fantroy and Carol Carter and Covington County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Rick Clifton asked the Andalusia City Council to approve an additional tax abate for more than $60 million in improvements. The same request will be made to the county commission next week.

During what was the first Tuesday evening Tallassee City Council meeting of the year members of the council voted unanimously to show support for a potential aircraft-manufacturing project that could soon come to the neighboring City of Tuskegee if it wins the bid for the large-scale project.

Councilmember Sarah Hill who is on the City's airport committee expressed her support explaining a project of this magnitude could have beneficial impacts to Tallassee.

"It shows the company that's looking to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars at the Tuskegee Airport area that we support it," she said.

Don't miss the opportunity to possibly have an AdvantageSite in your community!

The pre-consultation checklist, which determines what AdvantageSite applications will be accepted in 2018, will remain on
the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama's website through March 31. Click here for the link.

AdvantageSite is a voluntary industrial site preparedness program created in order to make the state more competitive for companies considering a location in Alabama.

Since the program's start in 2008, 29 projects have located on AdvantageSites across the state, investing more than $1.3 billion and creating over 6,000 new jobs.

The program is jointly sponsored by the Alabama Department of Commerce, Spire, Alabama Power Co., the North Alabama Industrial Development Association, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, and coordinated by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. Representatives from each of the entities participate
actively in application reviews and on-site visits to prospective AdvantageSite designees.